From the rhythmic strides on the slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains to the soul-stirring chants echoing from the royal grounds of Tooro, western Uganda is dancing to a new beat—one that celebrates movement, meaning, and memory.
This isn’t just tourism; it’s a rediscovery of the Pearl of Africa’s soul.
It all begins in the cool, crisp highlands of Kasese, where the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon 2025 sets hearts racing and spirits soaring. Known as one of Africa’s most scenic and high-altitude endurance events, the marathon brings together global runners, nature lovers, and explorers who are eager to experience Uganda in motion.
With every stride, runners are immersed in a landscape so beautiful it feels untouched—crater lakes shimmering in the distance, the misty silhouette of the Rwenzoris towering above, and villages alive with cheer and color.
The Tusker Rwenzori Marathon enjoys overwhelming support and goodwill from both the Government and Private sector, showcasing a united front in promoting tourism in the region. This collaboration serves as a Beacon of Hope for the Tourism Sector, highlighting the potential for growth, community engagement, and economic impact through strategic partnerships. The Tusker Rwenzori Marathon takes place on 23rd August 2025.
But the finish line is only the beginning. Just days later, the narrative flows from adrenaline to ancestry as Fort Portal Tourism City comes alive with the Hats and Shorts: Empaako Edition—a three-day cultural celebration taking place from 12th to 14th September 2025 at the iconic Empaako Village. This vibrant Cultural Center is home to Africa’s Biggest Pot and features a Museum showcasing the rich histories of the Tooro Kingdom. This year, the event holds even deeper significance, aligning with the 30th Coronation Anniversary of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the youthful and visionary king of Tooro Kingdom.
At the heart of the celebration is the Empaako naming tradition, a powerful cultural practice unique to Tooro and neighboring communities, recognized by UNESCO for its role in peace-building and community bonding. It’s a tradition where everyone—young or old, local or visitor—is welcomed with a name that expresses love, respect, and belonging. During the festival, guests aren’t just observers—they’re invited to become part of the story, to receive an Empaako name, and to feel the warmth of a kingdom that celebrates connection over convention.
This harmonious transition from marathon to music, from race to ritual, reflects Uganda’s evolving tourism identity—one that is multidimensional, inclusive, and rich in experiences. Sports tourism meets cultural tourism not as separate offerings, but as two sides of the same coin: both uniting people, elevating heritage, and igniting pride in what Uganda has to offer.
Driving this vision is Akili Ya Afrika, the inspired team behind the Empaako Edition. More than event organizers, they are community changemakers using tourism as a tool for transformation. Proceeds from the festival go toward stocking libraries in underserved schools across the Tooro region, ensuring that children grow up with access to stories, learning, and hope. Alongside this is a tree-planting initiative, a quiet but powerful promise to preserve the natural treasures that define the region’s beauty. Guests are invited to be part of that impact—not with grand gestures, but with something as simple as bringing a book or sponsoring a tree.
In doing so, every participant leaves a piece of themselves in Tooro, and takes away a memory that matters. So whether you come for the marathon, the music, or the magic of Empaako, Uganda awaits with open arms.
From the cool breath of the Rwenzori Mountains to the royal warmth of Tooro’s cultural heart, this is a journey unlike any other. From the rhythms of the Rwenzori to the echoes of Empaako, Uganda is not just rising—it’s radiating. A beacon of hope, heritage, and harmony for the Pearl of Africa’s tourism future.
Article by: Philbert Mwebembezi Kagangure Events and Project Coordinator (Akili Ya Afrika)
